How much you get
PG&E doesn't offer a flat dollar rebate for installing solar panels in San Jose — that changed years ago, and the federal 30% tax credit for homeowner-owned systems also ended for anything placed in service in 2026 or later (the OBBBA law terminated it early; it was originally supposed to run through 2032). If a quote from an installer includes either of these as a discount, ask them to show you exactly where it comes from.
What's real in 2026:
- NEM 3.0 net billing: PG&E pays you for the electricity your panels send back to the grid, but at the utility's "avoided cost" — roughly $0.04–$0.08/kWh — not the full retail rate you pay for the power you use. The real savings come from using your own solar power directly, not from selling it back.
- Property tax exclusion: home solar systems installed before January 1, 2027 are excluded from the property tax reassessment that would normally apply to a home improvement this size — a real, time-limited reason not to wait if you're already planning to install.
- SGIP battery incentive (separate from solar): if you pair solar with a home battery, California's Self-Generation Incentive Program pays $2,700–$13,500 depending on your income tier and whether you're in a high fire-threat zone — this is what actually makes exporting less necessary, since you use your own power at night instead of buying it back at retail.
Source: PG&E, CPUC NEM 3.0/Net Billing Tariff, CA Self-Generation Incentive Program
Solar installers in San Jose
Browse real, currently-reviewed solar installers in San Jose on our installer directory.
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Common questions
How much is the solar rebate in San Jose?
PG&E doesn't offer a flat solar rebate. Your real savings come from NEM 3.0 net billing (using your own power instead of buying it at retail), a property tax exclusion for systems installed before Jan 1, 2027, and a separate SGIP battery incentive ($2,700-$13,500) if you pair solar with storage. The federal 30% tax credit ended for systems placed in service in 2026 or later.
Where do I find solar installers in San Jose?
Browse real, currently-reviewed installers near San Jose on our installer directory, or run our free assessment for a shortlist matched to your project.
Next steps
View all San Jose rebate programs → or check the official PG&E rebates & incentives → for the current source of truth.